Black Cherry - Prunus serotina

Black cherry, Prunus serotina, belongs to the rose family. This tall tree is native to North America and has been used extensively by indigenous peoples. The part most utilized is the inner bark. It is commonly used for cough, cold, and sore throat. It is astringent and expectorant and so can help with phlegm and lung congestion. 

The phytocompounds in black cherry bark are anthocyanins, tocopherols, vitamin C, and terpenoids. The anthocyanins are strongly antioxidant. Studies show that the triterpenoids are anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anticancer, anti-atherosclerotic and antidiabetic.¹

The bark may help digestive issues by being soothing, balancing, and antispasmodic. It can help to relieve diarrhea. It is mildly sedating, and some people find it helps with arthritis and headache pain. 

Dosing: Tincture 2-4 ml 2-3 times a day. It is best for short-term use.

Possible side effects: Allergies are always possible. It can cause a slightly slow heartbeat. Individuals who are taking medications that affect the liver, blood thinners, have diabetes, or are taking sedatives should talk to their doctor and pharmacist.  

Contraindications: Liver disease

¹Telichowska, Aleksandra, Joanna Kobus-Cisowska, and Piotr Szulc. 2020. "Phytopharmacological Possibilities of Prunus padus L. and Prunus serotina L. Species and Their Bioactive Phytochemicals" Nutrients 12, no. 7: 1966. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12071966